A COUPLE has told how they moved into their Land Rover Defender and saved £60,000 on rent.
Nick Chazee and Mathilde Vougny ditched their nine to fives to clock up 68,350 miles travelling across the globe in their rugged Land Rover Defender 110.
They chose the car for its durability and versatility, opting for a model with a “pop-top” roof that allows them to stand inside, making it more spacious and comfortable.
But it doesn’t have a proper bed and the couple have to wash in their sink.
Nick told The Sun: “It’s sturdy and reliable, and the Land Rover community is global.
“Wherever we go, there’s always someone with a Defender who’s ready to lend a hand if we need help.”
The pair have made the most out of the car, kitting it out with storage for food, cooking gear and camping equipment.
Mathilde said: “You save a lot by cooking your own food, we have our own equipment so we can scout out local stores for ingredients along the way and make our own meals on the road”.
Planning their journey wasn’t easy, but the couple were determined to make it happen.
After growing frustrated with the constraints of two-week holidays, they left their nine-to-fives and began planning their route, drawing inspiration from overlanding groups on Facebook.
Mathilde said: “It was about going somewhere new every day, meeting different people, and experiencing the world in a way most people don’t.”
The couple claim South America is “great for wild camping”, allowing them to travel around in their 4×4 and set up camp wherever the road takes them.
However, the rugged terrain hasn’t always been easy to navigate.
South America presented some of their toughest driving challenges.
Nick said: “We had to tackle some pretty dangerous roads filled with trucks and gravel.
“It’s a whole different kind of driving, and the altitude only adds to the difficulty.”
In Bolivia, they faced 400km of sand dunes with no tracks, while in Peru, they took on rocky mountain passes.
But Nick said: “It’s all part of the experience.”
He added: “We didn’t want to take the easy route. We wanted to get off the beaten path and explore the places others don’t go.”
The couple is quick to dismiss the famed Pan-American Highway, which stretches through the Americas, calling it dusty and monotonous.
They said: “The main road is flat, busy, and not that interesting.”
“Most people end up taking side tracks because it’s just not the adventure they’re looking for.”
Instead, Nick and Mathilde prefer the more rugged, isolated routes that offer them a chance to meet locals and immerse themselves in the culture.
According to the pair, Australian roads has presented its own set of challenges.
While the vast, open roads are impressive, the long distances between destinations have made it less exciting for the couple.
Mathilde said: “In Australia, you can drive for 700km and not see much in between.
“It became a bit repetitive after a while.”
With their Land Rover as their home and Instagram followers cheering them on, Nick and Mathilde are determined to see it all, one adventurous mile at a time.
